What Is the Interim Federal Health Program?
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is a government healthcare program that provides temporary health coverage to refugee claimants and other protected persons in Canada. IFHP is administered by the Government of Canada and provides access to essential healthcare while you establish yourself and become eligible for provincial health insurance.
Purpose of IFHP
IFHP exists to ensure that refugee claimants and protected persons have access to basic healthcare while their immigration status is being determined. Without IFHP, many vulnerable people would lack access to necessary medical services.
Who Administers IFHP?
IFHP is administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in partnership with Service Agreement holders (organizations contracted to provide IFHP services). Different health service providers may administer IFHP in different regions of Canada.
Who Is Eligible for IFHP?
IFHP eligibility depends on your immigration status and circumstances. Understanding whether you qualify is the first step to accessing healthcare.
Refugee Claimants
If you have made a refugee claim and are waiting for a decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board, you are eligible for IFHP. Eligibility begins when your claim is officially received by IRCC.
Protected Persons
If your refugee claim has been approved, or if you have been found to be a person in need of protection, you are eligible for IFHP. You remain eligible while you are establishing yourself in Canada and transitioning to provincial health insurance.
Spouses and Dependents
Spouses and dependent children of refugee claimants and protected persons are also eligible for IFHP. All family members can access coverage as long as they are in Canada and the primary applicant is eligible.
When Eligibility Ends
IFHP eligibility generally ends when you become eligible for provincial health coverage. In most provinces, this occurs when you become a permanent resident or after you have lived in the province for a specified period (often 3 months). After a refugee claim is refused and all appeals are exhausted, eligibility may end.
Types of IFHP Coverage
IFHP provides different levels of coverage depending on your circumstances. Understanding what is covered can help you plan for your healthcare needs.
Emergency Coverage
Emergency coverage is provided to all IFHP-eligible persons. This includes emergency room visits, emergency dental care, and emergency medications. Emergency services are covered immediately upon eligibility confirmation.
Urgent Care
Urgent care coverage includes care for conditions that require prompt attention but are not life-threatening. This includes medical and dental conditions that cause significant pain or functional impairment.
Essential Medications
Prescription medications that are considered essential are covered by IFHP. This includes medications for chronic conditions, mental health conditions, and other essential medical needs. Non-essential medications may not be covered.
Mental Health Services
IFHP covers mental health services including counseling and psychiatric treatment. This is important for refugees who may experience trauma or mental health challenges.
Immunizations
Routine immunizations and vaccinations are covered by IFHP. This ensures that refugees and their children receive necessary vaccinations.
Maternity Care
IFHP covers prenatal and postnatal care, labor and delivery services, and essential newborn care. This ensures that pregnant refugees and newborns receive necessary healthcare.
How to Access IFHP Healthcare
Accessing IFHP services requires knowing how to request coverage and finding providers who accept IFHP.
Obtaining Your IFHP Reference Number
When your refugee claim is submitted, you will be provided with an IFHP reference number. This number is your proof of IFHP eligibility. Keep this number safe and carry it with you. You will need to provide this number to healthcare providers.
Finding IFHP Providers
Not all healthcare providers accept IFHP. You need to find providers who are contracted to provide IFHP services or who will accept IFHP coverage. Settlement agencies and refugee organizations can help you locate IFHP-accepting providers in your area.
Visiting Your Doctor
When you visit a healthcare provider, inform them that you have IFHP coverage and provide your IFHP reference number. The provider will submit the claim to IFHP. In most cases, there is no cost to you for IFHP-covered services.
Prescriptions
When your doctor prescribes medication, provide your IFHP reference number to the pharmacist. Essential medications will be covered by IFHP. Non-essential medications may not be covered or may require prior approval. Ask your pharmacist whether your medication is covered.
Emergency Care
If you have a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency room. Emergency care is covered by IFHP regardless of the provider. Inform hospital staff about your IFHP coverage and provide your reference number.
Refugee Health Screening
Refugees and protected persons may be required or encouraged to participate in health screening programs. Understanding these programs is important to your health and to meeting immigration requirements.
Medical Examination for Immigration
Before your refugee claim is approved, you will be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by a physician designated by IRCC. This examination is to ensure that you do not have a health condition that would make you inadmissible to Canada. The examination is at no cost to you.
Tuberculosis Screening
Tuberculosis screening is a standard part of the immigration medical examination. If you are found to have active tuberculosis, you may be required to undergo treatment. Tuberculosis treatment is provided at no cost.
Mental Health Screening
Some refugees may be offered mental health screening or counseling to assess for trauma or mental health issues. This is voluntary but highly recommended for those who have experienced traumatic events.
Provincial Health Coverage Transition
IFHP is temporary. When you become eligible for provincial health insurance, you will transition from IFHP to provincial coverage.
When You Become a Permanent Resident
When your refugee claim is approved, you become a permanent resident of Canada. You can then apply for provincial health coverage in your province of residence. Provincial coverage usually begins immediately or after a brief processing period.
Provincial Eligibility Requirements
Each province has different requirements for health coverage eligibility. Generally, residency in the province and either Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status are required. As a permanent resident, these requirements are met.
Registering for Provincial Coverage
You must actively register for provincial health coverage. Contact the health ministry in your province to apply for coverage. You will need to provide identification and proof of residency. Once you register, provincial coverage will begin and IFHP coverage will end.
Supplementary Provincial Coverage
Some provinces provide supplementary health coverage for certain populations, including refugees. This may include coverage for dental, vision, and prescription costs. Check with your provincial health ministry to see if you qualify for supplementary coverage.
IFHP Limitations and Gaps
IFHP covers essential healthcare, but it does not cover all health services. Understanding the limitations is important to planning your healthcare.
Services Not Covered
IFHP does not cover cosmetic procedures, elective surgeries that are not medically necessary, or certain specialists unless prior approval is obtained. Dental services are limited to emergency care unless approved. Vision care is generally not covered unless approved.
Prior Approval Requirements
Some services require prior approval from IFHP before they are covered. These may include specialist referrals, expensive tests, or non-emergency procedures. Your doctor can request approval from IFHP for these services.
Coverage Amounts
Some services may have limits on how much IFHP will cover. For example, mental health counseling may be limited to a certain number of sessions. Ask your provider about any coverage limits.
Finding Alternative Coverage
If a service you need is not covered by IFHP, you may seek coverage from community health programs, NGOs, or faith-based organizations. Settlement agencies can connect you with programs that provide free or reduced-cost healthcare for services not covered by IFHP.
Resources and Support Services
Various resources are available to help you navigate the healthcare system and access needed services.
Settlement Agencies
Settlement agencies in your community can help you understand IFHP, find IFHP-accepting providers, understand health issues, and navigate the healthcare system. Many agencies have multilingual staff and can provide interpretation services.
Community Health Centers
Community health centers often accept IFHP and may provide additional services or support for refugees. These centers can be good resources for ongoing healthcare.
Mental Health Services
Many communities offer free or low-cost mental health services for refugees. These services can help you process trauma and adjust to life in Canada. Ask your doctor or settlement agency for referrals.
Language and Interpretation Services
Medical interpretation services can help you communicate with healthcare providers if you do not speak English or French. Most IFHP providers will provide interpretation services at no cost.
Information Hotlines
IRCC operates hotlines where you can get information about IFHP coverage and access. Your provincial health ministry can also answer questions about the provincial health system.